Niece in intensive care

[sherrardk]

Just got a message to say that my niece is in intensive care (but is being transferred to resus and then back to intensive care). She is diabetic (don't know what sort but she takes a lot of insulin) but couldn't take her insulin yesterday as she was being sick and couldn't eat. Apparently her heart rate is dangerously high and her blood sugar level is off the chart. I am not 'up' on all of these terms and my dad was too distressed to question further. Is this as bad as it sounds, what can they do to sort her out? Thanks

[bednobs]

intensive care is never good sherr. It's impossible to make any meaningful comment without knowing a heck of a lot more info. I would guess they are going to get her blood sugar down with an insulin infusion though. Are you sure it was intensive care, not high dependency for example?

[Sqad]

No big deal.

The main problem will be to stabilise her electrolytes by I.V drip an monitor the progress with serial blood tests which will help them in establishing her Insulin regime back to normal

If you want to know more and more technical details..Google Diabetic ketosis.

This is a routine problem for the "boys in white"

[sherrardk]

Hi Bednobs - def intensive care, spoke to my dad. Was particularly concerned about the resus bit as that never sounds good - my dad works in a hospital so he just assumes people know what he means by the terms he uses.

[sherrardk]

Thanks Sqad - my dad and brother are driving up from South Wales to Stoke to see her so I jumped the gun and assumed it was very serious.

[Sqad]

sherrardk....it is not the sort of thing that one would do as a "party piece"...........but the "lads" will deal with this successfully.

Management of diabetic coma is always a good finals question.(if that is any consolation ;-))

[Bobbisox]

I wish her well sherr, and to all concerned

[tigwig]

Try not to worry Sher (I know its hard). Shes in the best care and children(not sure how old she is) can bounce back as quickly as they get ill. I wish her a speedy recovery, take care. X

[sherrardk]

Sorry - she is 19. Heard from my dad about an hour ago and she is being transferred to the high dependency unit as some of her test results are still not what they should be but she seems to be on the mend. I had no idea that a diabetic could get so ill so quickly.

[tigwig]

How is she today Sher?

[sherrardk]

Hi Tigwig - waiting to hear, rang my sister but they are out (probably at the hospital) and my dad hasn't phoned yet either (don't like to phone his mobile as he works in a hospital). Thanks for asking, will post later on when I know more. x

[sherrardk]

Hi all - quick update. My niece is a bit better today and has been to theatre to have some of the various tubes removed. Spoke to my sister and she told me that my niece has been really lucky, the doctors said another half an hour and things would be looking a lot different (my sister is a nurse so is not given to exaggerating medical things). Thais for your kind thoughts. x

[tigwig]

Aww thats great news. X

[Bobbisox]

fingers crossed sherr, I hope she's through the worst...

[marval]

Glad she is better today